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Original poster

Solo “hiking”

190 replies

ApricotDanish83 · 22/10/2025 07:58

Posting here mainly for traffic to be honest.

I’m planning a day out to Dartmoor this weekend to go on a pretty long walk up a couple of the tors. Going by myself because I have nobody to go with but I’m craving being outside 😂

the route is set to be about three and a half hours back, two hours in, and about 12 miles all together. I’m relatively fit but wha do I need to take with me??? I know I’ll need some snacks but that’s about all I can think of

OP posts:
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SnugglyJumpersMakeItBetter · 22/10/2025 08:26

I was going to say 'A Dog' too! They would love that.

I can't think of anything else original to add, but have a great time!

Goodadvice1980 · 22/10/2025 08:24

Was going to suggest life360 or something similar and telling someone where you are and if you haven’t sent a text at the end by X time they’ll call you.

Great having to think of personal safety 😩 no wonder we always choose the bear 🐻

Have a lovely hike!

Onelifeonly · 22/10/2025 08:23

More food than you think you'll eat, plenty of water, waterproof coat, sturdy trainers or hiking boots, plasters & bandage, fully charged phone and power pack, map or guide (possibly on phone), maybe extra light layer in case it's colder than you expect. Check timings as it's getting dark much earlier now and allow more time in that respect than you think, just to be sure you're not stuck walking in the dark.

I hike all the time, though rarely alone. As long as you don't get lost or injure yourself, you'll be fine. Getting lost can be easier than you imagine, depending on the route, but if you have access to the Internet, you should be able to work out where you are - if in doubt, retrace your steps to the last place on the map where you were sure of where you were.

Original poster
ApricotDanish83 · 22/10/2025 08:20

TheGoddessAthena · 22/10/2025 08:17

You need to tell someone your route and when you expect to be back. First rule of hillwalking solo.

Oh I’ll share my route with my parents! It’s starting at okehampton station and then down to yes tor and west hillways. So I don’t know if calling it any more than a walk is just being too complimentary to myself 😂

OP posts:
BobbieTables · 22/10/2025 08:20

Ah, I'm jealous, have a lovely time! The OS app is really good. That's what I use.
If it's an easy hike and good weather I like to bring a book for lunchtime company.

TheGoddessAthena · 22/10/2025 08:17

You need to tell someone your route and when you expect to be back. First rule of hillwalking solo.

Original poster
ApricotDanish83 · 22/10/2025 08:16

I carry a power bank with me everywhere anyway as my phone is awful now so that’s a staple🤣

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Original poster
ApricotDanish83 · 22/10/2025 08:16

helpfulperson · 22/10/2025 08:12

Bear in mind that a path of a map is a permission to walk that way not necessarily a path on the ground. Have a good look at the aerial view to see if you can see the path.

If you are not used to hiking even with others that is quite a challenging walk at this time of year/weather. It doesn't sound like you have much/any navigation skills. You want to be leave as early as you can to leave as much time for things going wrong as possible before it gets wet.

You need
A paper map as back up
Power pack - these map apps eat power
waterproofs
spare layers
emergency foil blanket
torch
Water
Proper food
Hat and Gloves

I'm sure others will be along with other suggestions.

I’ve taken a look on maps, it’s all very distinguishable from the air, and very well worn tracks. It also looks set to be a rare dry day down here!

OP posts:
Original poster
ApricotDanish83 · 22/10/2025 08:15

HoskinsChoice · 22/10/2025 08:13

Are there any parts that involve more than just walking? (i.e scrambling, climbing, going through water). If not, as long as you've got weather appropriate clothes and a map, 12 miles should be straight forward. Toilets may be an issue if you are fully rural - prep for that maybe.

Most importantly, you need a dog. Everyone needs a dog if you like walking. Enjoy!

Edited

I’d love a dog!!

OP posts:
APC303 · 22/10/2025 08:14

If you've saved the route, you should be able to switch to airplane mode with location on and save battery drain.

HoskinsChoice · 22/10/2025 08:13

Are there any parts that involve more than just walking? (i.e scrambling, climbing, going through water). If not, as long as you've got weather appropriate clothes and a map, 12 miles should be straight forward. Toilets may be an issue if you are fully rural - prep for that maybe.

Most importantly, you need a dog. Everyone needs a dog if you like walking. Enjoy!

helpfulperson · 22/10/2025 08:12

Bear in mind that a path of a map is a permission to walk that way not necessarily a path on the ground. Have a good look at the aerial view to see if you can see the path.

If you are not used to hiking even with others that is quite a challenging walk at this time of year/weather. It doesn't sound like you have much/any navigation skills. You want to be leave as early as you can to leave as much time for things going wrong as possible before it gets wet.

You need
A paper map as back up
Power pack - these map apps eat power
waterproofs
spare layers
emergency foil blanket
torch
Water
Proper food
Hat and Gloves

I'm sure others will be along with other suggestions.

NamelessNancy · 22/10/2025 08:11

Power bank if your phone is likely to flag? Waterproofs - even if it doesn't rain the extra wind proofing can be helpful. Blister plasters just in case?

Florencesndzebedee · 22/10/2025 08:10

Water, fruit and nut snacks, silver foil blanket thingy (very light), compass and good ordnance survey map with waterproof cover, whistle. Good, worn in, walking boots and socks plus spare socks in bag. Good waterproof jacket and , depending on the weather, waterproof trousers.

Original poster
ApricotDanish83 · 22/10/2025 08:00

Oh and I’ve planned my route on komoot, which sticks to paths etc and I’ve saved the routes for if I lose signal!

OP posts: